A few months back, following a conversation with my mom, I decided to enter one of my personally designed quilts into a juried quilt show.  Specifically, QuiltFest Jacksonville. We were short on time, both on my end and on my mom’s end (she was going to quilt it), so I scurried around, finished my design, pulled together my fabrics, and got to work.

Getting it together

I had a week to get the floppy together so that I could get it in the mail.  Mom had an upcoming trip to work her long arm quilting orders around so I needed to get it to her quickly.  Each day that week, I’d get the household chores done as quickly as a I could so I could escape and get busy on my quilt.  Block by block, row by row.  As this was a new pattern, never having been tested, I pieced each block as I came to it.  It is a relatively easy block pattern but creates a secondary design that can be challenging to lay out. I was super diligent to be exact in my piecing knowing that it would be the first thing the judges would look for in my quilt.  By the time the week had come to a close, my flimsy was complete.

Quilt Show

So fast forward a few months.  This past week, I had a mini retreat at my parents house.  While there, I went to the quilt show and  saw my quilt hanging for all the world to see.  Here is Sunshine on the Bay.

I had such a great sense of accomplishment in seeing my finished quilt completed.  A sense of accomplishment that never comes from folding wash, emptying the dishwasher, and planning dinners.  This project gave me satisfaction of knowing I did it.  While I didn’t get a ribbon, I did get some really great comments from the judge.  Including one about excellent piecing.  As I read the comments, I did my own interpersonal happy dance.  I’m pleased with the comments and the experience.    Mom even pulled a surprise on me at the show, but that will be another post.

With my chin held high, I walked out of the quilt show knowing that I had given my very best, from start to finish.  My wheels are already turning for what will be entered next year.

Whats Next?

With my summer traveling over and the quilt show completed, its time to focus on starting some new projects.  My fingers are itching to piece.  I have 2 quilts in the state fair this week and Sunshine on the Bay will be headed to another quilt show soon.  I have 3 new personal projects in the works, 1 block of the month mystery in process, and 1 more personal design in the beginning stages of planning.  I hope to start Bonnie Hunter’s mystery quilt this fall as well.  All this while the holidays are about to kick in to high gear.

Sharing in the Creativity

My daughters are going to get in on the creativity as well.  Today, I requested the fabric packet for the School Block Challenge that the National Quilt Museum is hosting for school aged children.  They are excited about the possibilities and are contemplating their designs.  I have a feeling its going to be a challenge for mama as well.  This forces me to share my sewing room and splits my attention.

So now that life has resumed a normal pattern, hopefully I won’t be so quiet.  I have fabric to cut and sew, and designs to bring to life.